CYCLISTS and drivers are to get their chance to speak out about a controversial York roads revamp.

The introduction of a cycling lane at Clifton Green junction last year – at a cost of £540,000 – created anger among local residents who say the scheme has led to motorists using their roads as rat-runs.

The project – which had an original budget of £300,000 – saw the old left-hand filter lane given over to bikes, causing tailbacks for cars turning from Water End into Shipton Road, and prompted the setting-up of a City of York Council task group to look at the issue.

A report to go before a council committee next week says restoring the route to its original layout would cost an estimated £6,000, and restoration of the approach to the junction might cost £30,000.

Officers have opposed this move as they say it might lead to York’s Cycling City funding being reconsidered and could cause water mains problems.

The next step will see a public consultation event organised to allow residents, cyclists and motorists to air their views. The task group will then sift through these representations.